Washington, DC — February 12, 2007 — The Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), the nation’s oldest and largest association representing automotive and heavy duty suppliers, offered its support of the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Enforcement Act, introduced Feb. 7 by Sens. Evan Bayh (D-Ind.) and George Voinovich (R-Ohio).

“The automotive parts and components industry and our customers are being seriously affected by counterfeiting,” said Bob McKenna, president and CEO of MEMA. “Penetration of our domestic and overseas markets by counterfeit automotive products undercuts U.S. and foreign safety standards putting consumers at risk, damages brand reputation with our customers, cuts into sales and profits and steals good American jobs. Our challenges as an industry dealing with this issue are enormous, and we applaud Senators Bayh and Voinovich for sponsorships of this vital legislation to aid industry in this fight,” he added.

According to Interpol, international criminal networks and even terrorist organizations have turned to product counterfeiting, including the counterfeiting of automotive products.

“Passage of this important legislation will strengthen domestic and international enforcement against counterfeiters, facilitate cooperation between law enforcement and the private sector and sustain focus on combating IPR crimes over the long term,” said Ann Wilson, MEMA vice president of government affairs. “We are prepared to work vigorously for passage of this legislation.”

MEMA (www.mema.org) represents more than 700 motor vehicle product manufacturers with nearly 12,000 U.S. plant locations and 1.2 million workers. Together, these companies keep the U.S. automotive and truck industry supplied with the components that enable it to produce some 17 million vehicles annually and keep the 232 million vehicles on the road with replacement products and services. MEMA supports its members through its three market segment associations: Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA) and Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA).